Recent Readings – Quick Takes

I’m always diving into books. Often, I’m reading three or four at a time and the focus of a given day is totally dependent upon the book that happens to be nearby when the mood strikes. All the same, I did finish a few books in the past few months as well. Here are some quick takes on the books of 2015 and how I’ve liked them:

1. Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Utterly fascinating world-building, lovely descriptions, and a compelling character in Karou. I love everything EXCEPT what the novel is becoming: a sappy romance. Just not my bag and it’s distracting me from some of the more fascinating world-building concepts I’ve seen of late.

2. A Darker Shade of Magic – Finished this a month ago, and loved it. Probably the coolest world I’ve read from in a long time. Kell’s a wonderful protagonist and Schwab takes us on a magical, chaotic jaunt through the three different Londons. My only complaint is the constant narration switching. At times, it felt like it was working against my interests and curiosities as a reader, rather than leading me onward.

3. What if We Had Two Moons? – A science book about scenarios relating to Earth. I’m doing some research for a science fiction book and found this really wonderful. At times it’s a bit heady, but for the most part it discusses all of the scenarios I had any curiosity about.

4. Station Eleven – I’m only ten pages into this, but it’s already wonderful… One part Shakespeare, one part apocalypse. Yes, please. Emily St. John Mandel is masterful.

5. Jesus Outside the Lines – Scott Sauls is excellent in his approach to the current climate of Christians “picking sides,” whether that’s in political spheres or theological ones. I’ve enjoyed his thoughtful and sincere approach to reestablishing our connection to the Gospel, rather than to our entrenched “identities” in less significant things. Very solid.

So that’s just a glimpse, but I’m enjoying all of the reads and ready for all the other ones I’ve stacked up on my Kindle… Here’s the rest of the list that I currently have: